The Republican rebels in the House of Representatives appear to be putting their faith in Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her ability to negotiate a last-minute spending deal that can prevent a government shutdown. The rebels, who had threatened to withhold their support for an emergency spending bill should it include any increase in the federal debt ceiling, appear to have agreed to back down after Pelosi assured them that she would work to secure a deal before Monday’s deadline. This has given renewed hope that the federal government won’t be forced into a partial shutdown. Pelosi’s assurance has also been reinforced by assurances from the White House, which has indicated that it is confident a deal can be reached in time. The rebels hope that Pelosi’s experience on the Hill, as well as her reputation for deal-making, can help break the current impasse.
